Warnings for Myhibbin
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Myhibbin
Embryofetal Toxicity
Use of MMF during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of congenital malformations, especially external ear and other facial abnormalities including cleft lip and palate, and anomalies of the distal limbs, heart, esophagus, kidney and nervous system. Females of reproductive potential must be made aware of these risks and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning. Avoid use of MYHIBBIN during pregnancy if safer treatment options are available [see Use In Specific Populations].
Lymphoma And Other Malignancies
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including MYHIBBIN, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. For patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) developed in 0.4% to 1% of patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (2 g or 3 g) with other immunosuppressive agents in controlled clinical trials of kidney, heart and liver transplant patients [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The majority of PTLD cases appear to be related to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection. The risk of PTLD appears greatest in those individuals who are EBV seronegative, a population which includes many young children. In pediatric patients, no other malignancies besides PTLD were observed in clinical trials [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Serious Infections
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including MYHIBBIN, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, fungal, protozoal and new or reactivated viral infections, including opportunistic infections. The risk increases with the total immunosuppressive load. These infections may lead to serious outcomes, including hospitalizations and death [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Serious viral infections reported include:
- Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), especially due to BK virus infection
- JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections: CMV seronegative transplant patients who receive an organ from a CMV seropositive donor are at highest risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease.
- Viral reactivation in patients infected with Hepatitis B and C
- COVID-19
Consider dose reduction or discontinuation of MYHIBBIN in patients who develop new infections or reactivate viral infections, weighing the risk that reduced immunosuppression represents to the functioning allograft.
PVAN, especially due to BK virus infection, is associated with serious outcomes, including deteriorating renal function and renal graft loss [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for PVAN.
PML, which is sometimes fatal, commonly presents with hemiparesis, apathy, confusion, cognitive deficiencies, and ataxia [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. In immunosuppressed patients, physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients reporting neurological symptoms.
The risk of CMV viremia and CMV disease is highest among transplant recipients seronegative for CMV at time of transplant who receive a graft from a CMV seropositive donor. Therapeutic approaches to limiting CMV disease exist and should be routinely provided. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for CMV disease.
Viral reactivation has been reported in patients infected with HBV or HCV. Monitoring infected patients for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV or HCV infection is recommended.
Blood Dyscrasias: Neutropenia And Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA)
Severe neutropenia [absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5 x 103/μL] developed in transplant patients receiving MMF 3 g daily [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients receiving MYHIBBIN should be monitored for neutropenia. Neutropenia has been observed most frequently in the period from 31 to 180 days post-transplant in patients treated for prevention of kidney, heart and liver rejection. The development of neutropenia may be related to MYHIBBIN itself, concomitant medications, viral infections, or a combination of these causes. If neutropenia develops (ANC <1.3 x 103/μL), dosing with MYHIBBIN should be interrupted or the dose reduced, appropriate diagnostic tests performed, and the patient managed appropriately [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Patients receiving MYHIBBIN should be instructed to report immediately any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising, bleeding or any other manifestation of bone marrow depression.
Consider monitoring with complete blood counts weekly for the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months, and monthly for the remainder of the first year.
Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with MMF in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. In some cases, PRCA was found to be reversible with dose reduction or cessation of MMF therapy. In transplant patients, however, reduced immunosuppression may place the graft at risk.
Gastrointestinal Complications
Gastrointestinal bleeding requiring hospitalization, ulceration and perforations were observed in clinical trials. Physicians should be aware of these serious adverse effects particularly when administering MYHIBBIN to patients with a gastrointestinal disease.
Patients With Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyl-Transferase Deficiency (HGPRT)
Mycophenolate mofetil is an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor; therefore it should be avoided in patients with hereditary deficiencies of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) such as Lesch-Nyhan and Kelley-Seegmiller syndromes because it may cause an exacerbation of disease symptoms characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of uric acid leading to symptoms associated with gout such as acute arthritis, tophi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis and renal disease including renal failure.
Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Associated With Mycophenolate Products
Acute inflammatory syndrome (AIS) has been reported with the use of MMF and mycophenolate products, and some cases have resulted in hospitalization. AIS is a paradoxical pro-inflammatory reaction characterized by fever, arthralgias, arthritis, muscle pain and elevated inflammatory markers including, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, without evidence of infection or underlying disease recurrence. Symptoms occur within weeks to months of initiation of treatment or a dose increase. After discontinuation, improvement of symptoms and inflammatory markers are usually observed within 24 to 48 hours.
Monitor patients for symptoms and laboratory parameters of AIS when starting treatment with mycophenolate products or when increasing the dosage. Discontinue treatment and consider other treatment alternatives based on the risk and benefit for the patient.
Immunizations
During treatment with MYHIBBIN, the use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided (e.g., intranasal influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, and TY21a typhoid vaccines) and patients should be advised that vaccinations may be less effective. Advise patients to discuss with the physician before seeking any immunizations.
Blood Donation
Patients should not donate blood during therapy and for at least 6 weeks following discontinuation of MYHIBBIN because their blood or blood products might be administered to a female of reproductive potential or a pregnant woman.
Semen Donation
Based on animal data, men should not donate semen during therapy and for 90 days following discontinuation of MYHIBBIN [see Use In Specific Populations].
Effect Of Concomitant Medications On Mycophenolic Acid Concentrations
A variety of drugs have potential to alter systemic MPA exposure when co-administered with MYHIBBIN. Therefore, determination of MPA concentrations in plasma before and after making any changes to immunosuppressive therapy, or when adding or discontinuing concomitant medications, may be appropriate to ensure MPA concentrations remain stable.
Potential Impairment Of Ability To Drive Or Operate Machinery
MYHIBBIN may impact the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should avoid driving or using machines if they experience somnolence, confusion, dizziness, tremor, or hypotension during treatment with MYHIBBIN [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Embryofetal Toxicity
Pregnancy Loss And Malformation
- Inform females of reproductive potential and pregnant women that use of MYHIBBIN during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of congenital malformations. Advise that they must use an acceptable form of contraception [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].
- Encourage pregnant women to enroll in the Pregnancy Exposure Registry. This registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to mycophenolate [see Use In Specific Populations].
Contraception
- Discuss pregnancy testing, pregnancy prevention and planning with females of reproductive potential [see Use In Specific Populations].
- Females of reproductive potential must use an acceptable form of birth control during the entire MYHIBBIN therapy and for 6 weeks after stopping MYHIBBIN, unless the patient chooses abstinence. MYHIBBIN may reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use of additional barrier contraceptive methods is recommended[see Use In Specific Populations].
- For patients who are considering pregnancy, discuss appropriate alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity. Risks and benefits of MYHIBBIN should be discussed with the patient.
- Advise sexually active male patients and/or their partners to use effective contraception during the treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment. This recommendation is based on findings of animal studies [see Use In Specific Populations , Nonclinical Toxicology].
Development Of Lymphoma And Other Malignancies
- Inform patients that they are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin, due to immunosuppression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Advise patients to limit exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light by wearing protective clothing and use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with high protection factor.
Increased Risk Of Serious Infections
Inform patients that they are at increased risk of developing a variety of infections due to immunosuppression. Instruct them to contact their physician if they develop any of the signs and symptoms of infection explained in the Medication Guide [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Blood Dyscrasias
Inform patients that they are at increased risk for developing blood adverse effects such as anemia or low white blood cells. Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider if they experience any evidence of infection, unexpected bruising, or bleeding, or any other manifestation of bone marrow suppression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Gastrointestinal Tract Complications
Inform patients that MYHIBBIN can cause gastrointestinal tract complications including bleeding, intestinal perforations, and gastric or duodenal ulcers. Advise the patient to contact their healthcare provider if they have symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, or sudden onset or persistent abdominal pain [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Acute Inflammatory Syndrome
Inform patients that acute inflammatory reactions have been reported in some patients who received mycophenolate mofetil. Some reactions were severe, requiring hospitalization. Advise patients to contact their physician if they develop fever, joint stiffness, joint pain or muscle pains [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Immunizations
Inform patients that MYHIBBIN can interfere with the usual response to immunizations. Before seeking vaccines on their own, advise patients to discuss first with their physician [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Administration Instructions
- Advise patients to avoid contact of the skin or mucous membranes with MYHIBBIN. If such contact occurs, they must wash the area of contact thoroughly with soap and water. In case of ocular contact, rinse eyes with plain water.
- Advise patients to take a missed dose as soon as they remember, except if it is closer than 2 hours to the next scheduled dose; in this case they should continue to take MYHIBBIN at the usual times.
Blood Donation
Advise patients not to donate blood during therapy and for at least 6 weeks following discontinuation of MYHIBBIN [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Semen Donation
Advise males of childbearing potential not to donate semen during therapy and for 90 days following discontinuation of MYHIBBIN [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Potential To Impair Driving And Use Of Machinery
Advise patients that MYHIBBIN can affect the ability to drive or operate machines. Patients should avoid driving or operating machines if they experience somnolence, confusion, dizziness, tremor or hypotension during treatment with MYHIBBIN [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
In a 104-week oral carcinogenicity study in mice, MMF in daily doses up to 180 mg/kg was not tumorigenic. The highest dose tested was 0.2 times the recommended clinical dose (2 g/day) in renal transplant patients and 0.15 times the recommended clinical dose (3 g/day) in cardiac transplant patients when corrected for differences in body surface area (BSA). In a 104-week oral carcinogenicity study in rats, MMF in daily doses up to 15 mg/kg was not tumorigenic. The highest dose was 0.035 times the recommended clinical dose in kidney transplant patients and 0.025 times the recommended clinical dose in heart transplant patients when corrected for BSA. While these animal doses were lower than those given to patients, they were maximal in those species and were considered adequate to evaluate the potential for human risk [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The genotoxic potential of MMF was determined in five assays. MMF was genotoxic in the mouse lymphoma/thymidine kinase assay and the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. MMF was not genotoxic in the bacterial mutation assay, the yeast mitotic gene conversion assay or the Chinese hamster ovary cell chromosomal aberration assay.
MMF had no effect on fertility of male rats at oral doses up to 20 mg/kg/day. This dose represents 0.05 times the recommended clinical dose in renal transplant patients and 0.03 times the recommended clinical dose in cardiac transplant patients when corrected for BSA. In a female fertility and reproduction study conducted in rats, oral doses of 4.5 mg/kg/day caused malformations (principally of the head and eyes) in the first generation offspring in the absence of maternal toxicity. This dose was 0.01 times the recommended clinical dose in renal transplant patients and 0.005 times the recommended clinical dose in cardiac transplant patients when corrected for BSA. No effects on fertility or reproductive parameters were evident in the dams or in the subsequent generation.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to mycophenolate during pregnancy and those becoming pregnant within 6 weeks of discontinuing MYHIBBIN treatment. To report a pregnancy or obtain information about the registry, visit the Mycophenolate Pregnancy Registry at www.mycophenolateREMS.com or call 1-800-617-8191.
Risk Summary
Use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and an increased risk of multiple congenital malformations in multiple organ systems (see Human Data). Oral administration of mycophenolate to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis produced congenital malformations and pregnancy loss at doses less than the recommended clinical dose (0.01 to 0.05 times the recommended clinical doses in kidney and heart transplant patients) (see Animal Data).
Consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity. Risks and benefits of MYHIBBIN should be discussed with the pregnant woman.
The background risk of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations in organ transplant populations is not clear. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Human Data
A spectrum of congenital malformations (including multiple malformations in individual newborns) has been reported in 23 to 27% of live births in MMF exposed pregnancies, based on published data from pregnancy registries. Malformations that have been documented include external ear, eye, and other facial abnormalities including cleft lip and palate, and anomalies of the distal limbs, heart, esophagus, kidney, and nervous system.
Based on published data from pregnancy registries, the risk of first trimester pregnancy loss has been reported at 45 to 49% following MMF exposure.
Animal Data
In animal reproductive toxicology studies, there were increased rates of fetal resorptions and malformations in the absence of maternal toxicity. Oral administration of MMF to pregnant rats from Gestational Day 7 to Day 16 produced increased embryofetal lethality and fetal malformations including anophthalmia, agnathia, and hydrocephaly at doses equivalent to 0.015 and 0.01 times the recommended human doses for renal and cardiac transplant patients, respectively, when corrected for BSA. Oral administration of MMF to pregnant rabbits from Gestational Day 7 to Day 19 produced increased embryofetal lethality and fetal malformations included ectopia cordis, ectopic kidneys, diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical hernia at dose equivalents as low as 0.05 and 0.03 times the recommended human doses for renal and cardiac transplant patients, respectively, when corrected for BSA.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of mycophenolate in human milk, or the effects on milk production. There are limited data in the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry on the effects of mycophenolate on a breastfed child (see Data). Studies in rats treated with MMF have shown mycophenolic acid (MPA) to be present in milk. Because available data are limited, it is not possible to exclude potential risks to a breastfeeding infant.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for MYHIBBIN and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from MYHIBBIN or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Limited information is available from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry. Of seven infants reported by the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry to have been breastfed while the mother was taking mycophenolate, all were born at 34-40 weeks gestation, and breastfed for up to 14 months. No adverse events were reported.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Females of reproductive potential must be made aware of the increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss and congenital malformations and must be counseled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning.
Pregnancy Planning
For patients who are considering pregnancy, consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity whenever possible. Risks and benefits of MYHIBBIN should be discussed with the patient.
Pregnancy Testing
To prevent unplanned exposure during pregnancy, all females of reproductive potential should have a serum or urine pregnancy test with a sensitivity of at least 25 mlU/mL immediately before starting MYHIBBIN. Another pregnancy test with the same sensitivity should be done 8 to 10 days later. Repeat pregnancy tests should be performed during routine follow-up visits. Results of all pregnancy tests should be discussed with the patient. In the event of a positive pregnancy test, consider alternative immunosuppressants with less potential for embryofetal toxicity whenever possible.
Contraception
Female Patients
Females of reproductive potential taking MYHIBBIN must receive contraceptive counseling and use acceptable contraception (see Table 5 for acceptable contraception methods). Patients must use acceptable birth control during the entire MYHIBBIN therapy, and for 6 weeks after stopping MYHIBBIN, unless the patient chooses abstinence.
Patients should be aware that MYHIBBIN reduces blood levels of the hormones from the oral contraceptive pill and could theoretically reduce its effectiveness [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Table 5 Acceptable Contraception Methods for Females of Reproductive Potential Pick from the following birth control options:
| Option 1 |
|
| Methods to Use Alone |
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Tubal sterilization
- Patient’s partner vasectomy
|
OR
| Option 2 |
Hormone Methods choose 1 |
|
Barrier Methods choose 1 |
Choose One Hormone Method AND
One Barrier Method |
Estrogen and Progesterone
- Oral Contraceptive Pill
- Transdermal patch
- Vaginal ring
Progesterone-only
|
AND |
- Diaphragm with spermicide
- Cervical cap with spermicide
- Contraceptive sponge
- Male condom
- Female condom
|
OR
| Option 3 |
Barrier Methods choose 1 |
|
Barrier Methods choose 1 |
| Choose One Barrier Method from each column (must choose two methods) |
- Diaphragm with spermicide
- Cervical cap with spermicide
- Contraceptive sponge
|
AND |
- Male condom
- Female condom
|
Male Patients
Genotoxic effects have been observed in animal studies at exposures exceeding the human therapeutic exposures by approximately 1.25 times. Thus, the risk of genotoxic effects on sperm cells cannot be excluded. Based on this potential risk, sexually active male patients and/or their female partners are recommended to use effective contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment. Also, based on the potential risk of genotoxic effects, male patients should not donate sperm during treatment with MYHIBBIN and for at least 90 days after cessation of treatment [see Pregnancy, Nonclinical Toxicology , PATIENT INFORMATION].
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have been established in pediatric patients 3 months and older for the prophylaxis of organ rejection of allogenic kidney, heart or liver transplants.
Kidney Transplant
Use of MYHIBBIN in this population is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of mycophenolate mofetil in adults with additional data from one open-label, pharmacokinetic and safety study of mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric patients after receiving allogeneic kidney transplant (100 patients, 3 months to 18 years of age) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies].
Heart Transplant And Liver Transplant
Use of MYHIBBIN in pediatric heart transplant and liver transplant patients is supported by adequate and well-controlled studies and pharmacokinetic data in adult heart transplant and liver transplant patients. Additional supportive data include pharmacokinetic data in pediatric kidney transplant and pediatric liver transplant patients (8 liver transplant patients, 9 months to 5 years of age, in an open-label, pharmacokinetic and safety study) and published evidence of clinical efficacy and safety in pediatric heart transplant and pediatric liver transplant patients [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies].
The combination of inactive ingredients (e.g., simethicone, sodium phosphate monobasic dihydrate, sodium phosphate dibasic dihydrate, glycerin) in MYHIBBIN have the potential to impact gastrointestinal tolerability. Monitor pediatric patients receiving MYHIBBIN for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal intolerance.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of mycophenolate mofetil did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between geriatric and younger patients. In general, dose selection for a geriatric patient should take into consideration the presence of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function and of concomitant drug therapies. [see ADVERSE REACTIONS,DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Patients With Renal Impairment
Patients With Kidney Transplant
No dosage adjustments are needed in kidney transplant patients experiencing delayed graft function postoperatively, but patients should be carefully monitored [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In kidney transplant patients with severe chronic impairment of the graft (GFR <25 mL/min/1.73 m2), no dose adjustments are necessary; however, doses greater than 1 g administered twice a day should be avoided.
Patients With Heart And Liver Transplant
No data are available for heart or liver transplant patients with severe chronic renal impairment. MYHIBBIN may be used for heart or liver transplant patients with severe chronic renal impairment if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Patients With Hepatic Impairment
Patients With Kidney Transplant
No dosage adjustments are recommended for kidney transplant patients with severe hepatic parenchymal disease. However, it is not known whether dosage adjustments are needed for hepatic disease with other etiologies [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Patients With Heart Transplant
No data are available for heart transplant patients with severe hepatic parenchymal disease.